San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of possessing an illegal assault weapon.

Dressed in a suit, gingham shirt and white suede shoes, Smith appeared in Santa Clara County Superior Court in San Jose Tuesday afternoon accompanied by defense attorney Josh Bentley and his parents.

“Aldon’s very interested in answering to these charges, and you have to understand that this is a process, and today’s court appearance was the first step in that process,” Bentley said.

The judge approved a waiver that could delay Smith’s next court date in order to work around his schedule. The All-Pro linebacker is due back in court Jan. 15 for a hearing that will combine weapons charges with Smith’s DUI case from September.